Sumner County Schools News · 2019-02-22 · Sumner County Schools commits to growing learners who...
Transcript of Sumner County Schools News · 2019-02-22 · Sumner County Schools commits to growing learners who...
A Lifelong Mission Sumner County Schools commits to growing learners who are college and career ready
through quality instruction, effective use of resources, building a collaborative culture,
and strong leadership.
Sumner County Schools News Committed and Focused on Growing Learners
School Year 2016-17, Issue 3
Sumner County Schools (SCS) is a district of effective teachers, high-achieving students,
and supportive stakeholders. Collectively and individually, schools in the district have
earned the right to boast about their achievements due to the terrific work and high-
quality results produced daily. This edition of Sumner County Schools News is the
second of three issues to focus on academic and social development “bragging rights”
for SCS students and schools. (If a school isn’t featured in this issue, it should be in one
of the other two.) Please celebrate these accomplishments with the district!
2016-17 Sumner County Schools News School Contributors
BBE Melody Stevens MCE Shelby Shanes
BES Erin Oakes MES Mycah Vaden
BPE Donna MacFarland NBE Emma Lovell
CRE Dana White NSE Ann Meador
GBE Michele Roddy OES Kimberly Reynolds
GES Kim Harkreader PGE Timberly Denning
GWE Ellona Shelton SCE Vickie Moser and Kristy Raymond
HBW Joeli Humphries UES Mel Delarosa
HES Julie Strickland VSE Katy Cash
ILE Jennifer McCay WBE Karen Jarratt
JAE Jami Warren WES Kacie Gaw
JWW Allison Hester WFE Michele Lampton and Latoya Newson
LPE Vicki Shelton WHE Sarah Chandler
EMS Adam Cripps SCMS Joy Meade
HMS Amy Knick SMS Patti Adams
KDDC Rebecca Bene TWHS Chere Talbott
PMES Kyle Roberts WHMS Sandra Bauer
PMWS Kelly Smith WMS Bridgett Summers and Susan Bellonis
RSMS Jamie Mckenzie
BHS Alice McPherson PHS Leigh Peterson
EBW Tanya Coleman SCHS Josh Ray
GHS Glenda Hart and Sarah Wolf WHHS Jennifer Moss
HHS Ray Henson WHS John Lasater
MHMS Darren Frank SCMCHS Betsy Hunter and Brad Schreiner
RTF Crystal Jacobs SCMTCHS at Portland John Parker
Hendersonville High— A Distinguished Band
Pictured Front Row L-R: Morgan Frost, Angelina Waller, Beth Nguyen, Annabelle Mayes, Olivia Muyskens, Grace
Pfeiffer, Maddy Brown, Johnathan Woods, Lane Smith, Matt Mitchell, Eve Van Hoose, Natori Simmons. Back Row
L-R: Sean Grant, Naoki Tanaka, Josh Levine, Seth Swafford, Michael Luttrull, Grant Kohls, Caleb Eldridge, Garrett
Rowlett, Harrison Moulton, Matthew Batson, Rodrigo Frias, Steven Stinson, Riley Mills. Not Pictured: Emily
Church, Kaylee Butler, Kaitlyn Jurgens, Madison Church, Leonardo Frias, Hannah Pursley, Luke Tyler, Ari Avant.
This year, thirty-two members of the Hendersonville High School (HHS) Band were
selected by audition to perform with the Sumner All-County Band. Students were
nominated by their directors to participate in the audition process. Those chosen
spent three days in rehearsals with guest conductor, Dr. Kip Crowder from Barren
County High School in Glasgow, Kentucky, preparing a concert program which took
place at Station Camp High School.
Twelve musicians from the HHS band recently performed in the Middle Tennessee
School Band and Orchestra Association’s All Mid-State Honor Bands at MTSU.
Students were selected in December by audition from over 1200 applicants through-
out the region. In January, these students took part in three days of intense rehearsals
with world-class conductors and
performed in concert. HHS
continually places a high number of
students in honor ensembles, and
this year was no exception.
Pictured: Sean Grant, Naoki Tanaka, Harrison
Moulton, Grace Pfeiffer, Michael Luttrull,
Matthew Batson, Lane Smith, Matt Mitchell,
Skylar Etherington, Riley Mills, Natori Simmons.
Not Pictured: Emily Church.
Portland High —A Proud Legacy
Portland High School (PHS) has a long
legacy of success stories and accolades,
and the 2016-17 school year has proven
to continue that legacy. Last summer at
the National Renaissance Conference,
students were given the opportunity to
apply to be on an episode of the Harbor
series (PHS has used the program
multiple times in CREW over the past
couple of years). The school asked its
entire committee to apply for this oppor-
tunity. Eight PHS students were chosen to
participate in the filming, and five of them made it past the cutting floor to be a part of
the episode that went live in February. The episode topic was "insecurities," and
students featured in the episode discussed several things related to that topic
including social media. The Harbor series is used by schools all over the United States
as a curriculum guide for advisory periods and leadership classes. PHS students got to
be a part of starting deep dialogue for their peers in schools all over the country.
Also, for the first time in Coach Helena Baier’s
eight-year history with the team, the PHS Senior
Academic Team set its sights on qualifying for the
Tennessee Academic Coaches Association State
Championship, and it met that goal! In addition,
PHS Senior Brent Kibbey qualified for National
History Bowl/Bee in the written test portion.
This semester, PHS HOSA (Future Health Profes-
sionals) competed at the regional level conference
held at Volunteer State Community College. The
team took home 12 ribbons! Winners and awards
are: April Baltimore and Brooklyn Brito placed 4th
in Forensic Medicine; Meghan Covrig placed 3rd in Clinical Nursing; Samantha Vance
and Kyleigh Wampler placed 3rd in CERT Skills; Jaz Crook, Kobey Butcher, and Caleb
Schmittou placed 3rd in Bio-
medical Debate; Savannah
Summers, Katie Humphrey,
and Bethanie Bergman
placed 1st in Public Health;
and Debbie Rush placed 1st
in Medical Assisting. These
students will travel to
Chattanooga for the state
conference in April.
T. W. Hunter Middle—Awards and Celebrations
Middle School Model United Nations
T.W. Hunter Middle School (TWH) students participated in the 28th Annual Tennessee
YMCA Middle School Model United Nations conference. The conference offered
students an opportunity to experience an introduction to the roles and responsibilities
of the United Nations. Teams from across Tennessee and surrounding states were
assigned countries and participated in evaluating a current problem for that country.
The teams then developed a solution to the problem and presented it to the Model
United Nations through a resolution and speeches. TWH eighth grade students, Daniel
Renfro and Sydney Reeves, were recipients of the award for "Best Resolution.”
2016 Hunter Buccaneer All-County and Honorable Mention
All-County: Chandler Crowley, Caden Cutrell, Braden Edwards, Tysean Jefferson,
Kanon Lewis, Cameron McClanahan
Honorable Mention: Caleb Clayton, Luke Fleming, Shem’Uel Osteen, Logan Simms
Middle Tennessee-Middle School Honors Choir
Andrew Williams, Conner Peek, Nicolas Mendoza, Reed Palmer, Zach LaLumondier,
Lisa Lanas, Christian Newton
Junior Beta Club State Convention
Over 7,000 students from across Tennessee participated in the Junior Beta Club State
Convention at Opryland Hotel last semester. The Junior Beta Club exists to promote
leadership, service, character, and achievement. TWH was one of the best performing
schools and took home multiple awards in academic and art competitions. Congratula-
tions to the following students on their achievements:
1st Place Visual Arts Sweepstakes:
School (TWH)
1st Place Quiz Bowl: Adam Alvis, Daichi
Kobayashi, Kai Foster, Daniel Schmidt
1st Place Battle of the Books: Heidi Hall,
Taylor Dalton, Savannah Ichikawa, Faith
Boswell
1st Place Painting: Campbell Vaudrey
1st Place Pastels/Charcoals: Veen
Sweidan
2nd Place Essay: Mindy Cassada
2nd Place Advertising Design: Luke Curry, Veen Sweidan, Morgan Negus, Elena
Cothern
2nd Place Banner: Campbell Vaudrey and Alison Stewart
3rd Place Technology: Chanel Hunter
3rd Place Tower of Power: Emilie Christian, Ethan Midgette, Ty Lawrence, Olivia
Davis, and Benjamin Samoila
4th Place Fiber Arts: Breonna Boyd
5th Place Special Talent: Avery Stenzel
Portland West Middle—Learning in Action!
One doesn’t have to dig too far into research to read about the great benefits of
hands-on, project-based learning (PBL) activities. Portland West Middle School
(PWM) teachers know these benefits and do an excellent job of helping students learn
through action with grade-level PBL activities. Through teacher facilitation, PWM
students develop critical thinking skills, experience real-world situations, practice
problem-solving, and are better prepared to face life in the 21st century!
Last semester, PWM sixth grade students learned more about the socioeconomic
makeup of the Portland community. Except, instead of only learning, the students took
action! For several weeks, students studied the community and identified its needs.
The culminating activity for this PBL project was a penny war with proceeds going to a
local organization that supports the needy – Portland CARES (Christian Association for
the Relief of Economic Suffering). In the picture below, Penny Martin, Portland CARES
director, received a $471 check from PWM sixth grade students. With this project,
awesome life lessons of benevolence and philanthropy created a greater purpose
than just the grade that PWM students received for their work!
White House Middle—Principal, Improv, and Robotics
Parent Night with the Principal
To communicate effectively with
stakeholders, White House
Middle School (WHM) invites
parents, guardians, and families
to the school for “Parent Night
with the Principal.” Mr. Mills and
WHM faculty cover a variety of
topics such as general infor-
mation, handbook items, clubs,
technology, or instruction. This
opportunity allows families to
meet teachers, discuss issues,
and ask questions about
important topics. There will be
four meetings this year.
“Coffee House Night” with
WHM Improv Club
WHM hosted its second “Coffee
House Night” featuring its
Improv Club. The Authentic
Coffee Company in White House
provided refreshments. This
club offers WHM students the
opportunity to learn about acting
and expression.
WHM Robotics Team
WHM Robotics Team is doing amazing
things this year. In October, the team went
to a robotics competition in Brentwood and
won for its age group. Team members were
guests of the White House Rotary Club in
January. In February, WHM Robotics Team
hosted a tournament at the school. Way to
go, team members and sponsors!
WHM Robotics Team with School Board
member, Ted Wise, at Rotary Club
Robotics Tournament hosted at WHM
Watt Hardison Elementary Loves Quantum Learning!
When it comes to academics,
wonderful things are happening
at Watt Hardison Elementary
School (WHE)! This year, WHE
faculty had a unique opportunity
to engage in a three-part training
on Quantum Learning (QL). QL is
a highly effective program that
utilizes neuroscience research to
create and implement a positive
learning environment. It also
uses various physical motions
and music to assist in memorizing
and learning new skills in the
classroom. Positive dialogue is
promoted in a QL classroom
during “power swooshes” and
encouraging chants. All components of QL are designed to foster a sense of belonging
as well as an engaging and cognitive-rich classroom environment.
Mrs. Ivanits, a fourth grade teacher at WHE, utilizes QL in her classroom daily. Each
morning, she greets students at the door, and they recite a chant together. All of her
students start the school day saying, “Today is a good day. I feel great! I am full of life,
energy, and enthusiasm. I can choose to have a great day, and I choose to have a great
day today!” The students enter her classroom feeling enthusiastic and ready to learn.
Mrs. Ivanits’ class also uses QL strategies during learning opportunities. When a
student answers a question correctly, all others give him/her encouragement such as a
power swoosh.
In addition, kindergarten classrooms are using QL strategies when new content is
introduced. Mrs. White’s class uses a QL approach, peg-system mnemonics, which is a
memorization tactic that connects
content to a basic list of numbers and
items. Mrs. White used pegs while
teaching penguin facts to her students
and found the strategy to be very
successful.
Overall, the QL trainings and usage are
creating a significant impact on school
culture at WHE. Students feel safe and
have a sense of belonging. Most
importantly, QL allows students to
genuinely enjoy themselves while
learning important content in the
classroom!
Proud to be Indian Lake Elementary!
Indian Lake Elementary School (ILE) is proud of its students, teachers, parents, and all
those involved in cultivating learners. ILE teachers work hard to do what is best for
students, inside and outside of the classroom, to help encourage well-rounded, lifelong
learners. A few things happening at ILE to foster this support include a focus on the
school’s vision, Tennessee Reward School status, STEM clubs, flexible and alternative
seating, and empowering teachers to lead professional learning.
In recent years, ILE made changes to its vision to continue to meet the needs of students.
These changes were made with the hope that all stakeholders will not only know, but
also understand, the current vision: Imagine . . . Believe . . . Achieve . . . Excel. The most
recent promotions for the ILE vision are signs housed in the cafeteria. These signs
feature ILE students exhibiting characteristics of the vision.
Throughout the years, state Reward School status and national Blue Ribbon status are
distinctions that ILE teachers and students have worked hard to earn. ILE is honored to
have received these recognitions and will strive to continue to achieve academic
success accolades in the future.
This year, students have been offered a “STEMtastic” experience through the ILE
Makers Club. Teacher sponsors, Stephanie Dillon and Caleb Bullock, plan STEM
learning activities for students participating in this popular club. With such success for
the Makers Club, both teachers decided to support another initiative, the Coding
Academy. This club will utilize a STEM approach while working with technology.
Many ILE teachers have decided to try alternative seating in classrooms. This seating
allows students flexibility and choice when deciding where to sit. This model centers on
the best learning “spot” for each student.
In addition, ILE teachers have been building leadership capacity and sharing
knowledge. Professional learning presented by peers provides new ideas to ILE
teachers. Together, the faculty has learned about questioning for all learners and using
the seven effective habits in a classroom. ILE is eager to maintain this approach by
learning from the experts.
While there is always room for growth and not enough page space to share all the great
things occurring at ILE, they still know that they can say, “We are PROUD TO BE ILE!“
Clyde Riggs Elementary—Movement, Technology, and Goals
Student achievement at Clyde Riggs Elementary School (CRE) is being enhanced in a
variety of ways. Through a Lowe’s Toolbox for Education Grant, scholars are using Math &
Movement mats and materials to meet the learning expectations of Tennessee math
standards, to increase engagement and ability to focus, to boost self-confidence, to
speed learning of math facts, and to become kinesthetic learners. The use of the Math &
Movement materials also increases physical fitness and combats obesity in students. CRE
is pleased with the integration of math practice this program offers and showcased the
program for families at a recent family engagement night.
Furthermore, CRE has completed a three-million-dollar renovation project that included
the addition of new technology. Bright Link projectors were installed in every classroom.
This addition allows teachers and scholars the hands-on ability to utilize technology
while enhancing learning experiences and staying engaged in differentiated learning
strategies. Each month on Tech Tuesdays, Kathy Pryor, Title I Technology Coordinator,
visits CRE to train teachers on integrating technology and resources into instruction.
Another technology support occurs prior to the start of each school day when CRE
computer labs are open for students to use as Tech Time. This time allows opportunities
to work on designated websites, increase proficiency, and level the playing field for
those who might not have access to technology at home. This is a tremendous chance for
CRE students to gain valuable and necessary skills that will help them reach academic
and personal goals.
CRE students also set challenging SMART goals each nine weeks for ELA, math, and/or
behavior. Through student conferencing, goals are developed or evaluated, and
progress is monitored. The guidance program encourages students to recognize the
impact these goals can have on their future lives and the way in which they interact with
others. Scholars use visual reminders of posted goals as personal incentives toward
attaining them. Collected data shows that CRE students are making huge strides in goal
achievement. CRE stakeholders are proud of students’ achievements and celebrate them
in numerous ways!
Madison Creek Elementary—Impactful Practices to Increase Learning
For the 2016-17 school year, professional development at Madison Creek Elementary
School (MCE) is built around John Hattie’s Visible Learning work. Specifically, the
focus is teacher training on three impactful practices which are all designed to
increase learning. Feedback, metacognition, and student ownership of learning are
planned into MCE instruction across all core subject areas.
Feedback
Teachers spent one day of professional learning on how to identify and implement the
three different types of feedback for student performance. They learned that all
feedback can be impactful, but the depth of learning is dependent upon the type of
feedback. In order of priority, teachers are encouraged to plan for and reflect upon
student-to-student feedback, student-to-teacher feedback, and teacher-to-student
feedback. The result of this feedback model is a more student-centered classroom,
resulting in an improved depth of learning.
Metacognition
MCE students began this year by completing a learning styles inventory to identify
whether they are visual, auditory, and/or kinesthetic learners. The inventory started
an ongoing conversation between students and teachers to create academic success.
As new academic standards are introduced, each student is encouraged to focus on
his/her primary learning style to determine the best way to absorb new material.
“Thinking about our thinking” has become an important part of learning at MCE.
Student Ownership of Learning
Students in second through fifth grades at MCE keep data binders to track their
mastery of state standards and to record set goals for upcoming benchmark assess-
ments. Student achievement and growth are celebrated at MCE. The celebrations
provide students with a feeling of success necessary to reinforce effort. All students
are praised for their grit and determination, and they are excited about updating goal
sheets after benchmarking.
William Burrus Elementary—Visible Learning and Student Leadership
Dr. William Burrus Elementary School (WBE) is excited about involvement in the SCS
Visible Learning pilot. As a school, WBE developed an area of focus and visible
learning goals to begin the pilot work. Students and teachers were surveyed and
videotaped regarding what it means to be an effective learner. Many students related
learning to behavior – “being quiet or good in class.” Thus, this exercise revealed a
need to use common language to identify and develop a school-wide definition for
effective learning at WBE. Teachers worked collaboratively to develop the following
definition: An effective learner at WBE sets goals based on learning intentions and
success criteria, is actively engaged, and is accountable for his/her own
learning. By applying this definition in classrooms, teachers recognize the need to
use purposeful learning intentions and to help students understand what it takes to be
a successful learner.
In addition, WBE is focused on feedback and self-assessment strategies. Teachers
participated in several professional learning sessions in January to build under-
standing of visible learning and feedback strategies. One session, led by Angela
White, involved teachers juggling snowballs and receiving specific types of feedback.
The group receiving only praise quickly realized their juggling performance did not
improve. However, the group receiving specific feedback from others on the juggling
process and task improved their skills based on that feedback. Application of this
information will be used in WBE classrooms.
Ms. Wheeler “coaching” Ms. Bryant using task feedback. Student leaders helping with announcements in the office.
WBE wants to “brag” about its Student Leadership Team as well. Students in fourth and
fifth grades who participate in the leadership team are actively engaged in building
their own leadership skills and take pride in helping around the school. WBE Leader-
ship Team members work in the office, computer lab, library, special needs classes,
and before-school offerings. Students are also involved in monthly training sessions
with community leaders to improve communication skills and to sharpen their leader-
ship tools. The team will be hosting a community lunch later this year to showcase
student abilities. Additionally, WBE encourages stakeholder partnerships as
evidenced by the relationship between its Grandparents Club and Leadership Team.
The WBE Grandparents Club provided leadership shirts for all student leaders, and
WBE is very appreciative!
Westmoreland Elementary and Lucy Calkins
Westmoreland Elementary School (WES) is always looking for proven practices that
will increase student achievement. This year, WES started full implementation of one
such practice . . . the Lucy Calkins’ Writing Workshop and Units of Study. Writing
instruction is done in a workshop format. It is based on core writing standards that
align with Tennessee academic standards. Each grade level at WES works with
Calkins’ Units of Study in the following areas: opinion/argument, informational, and
narrative writing.
For WES students to be successful writers, teachers have found that the workshop
model has effective and necessary approaches to learning. One of the positive aspects
of the workshop is a grade-level rubric for writing. The rubric allows teachers to
differentiate instruction for each student’s specific needs.
Another feature of the workshop model that promotes success for students is the use of
an abundance of student samples. The exemplars are helpful to teachers and students
because they offer genuine examples of what a student’s writing should look like.
However, mini-lessons that facilitate reflective reading and the use of comprehension
connections (e.g., students look back in texts and refer to models of effective writing)
are probably the most beneficial aspects of the Lucy Calkins’ Writing Workshop and
Units of Study.
To increase student engagement in the writing program, WES students work daily and
diligently on the writing process. Then, students have the opportunity to share their
hard work with peers through conferencing and presentations. After sharing the work,
the students’ finished products are displayed in the hallways of WES.
WES believes that student writing success is influenced tremendously by the work-
shop approach. The ultimate goal is to have students master grade-appropriate
writing skills and build upon those skills each year. Consistency throughout writing
instruction at WES will allow students to become the best writers possible.
H.B. Williams Elementary—The Reading and Writing Revolution!
“READ” all about it!
During the 2015-16 school year, H.B.
Williams Elementary School (HBW) was
presented with a check from the Dollar
General Corporation for $50,000! This
generous gift provided the school with
the opportunity to start a READING
REVOLUTION! Resources have been
purchased throughout the current
school year to enhance the instruction
of reading. The opening of a “book
room” has supported teachers in
guided reading and individualized
instruction for HBW students. The
purchase of Accelerated Reader and
Follett book programs has allowed the
library at HBW to meet new heights in
developing and motivating young
readers. “WRITE” all about it!
Writing is a focus at HBW! As they
encourage students to become better
writers in the 2016-17 school year,
supports are established for both
teachers and students. Enrichment
groups are provided in grade levels to
enhance student abilities during small
group writing instruction. Writing is hap-
pening everywhere! HBW fourth grade
students wrote letters to soldiers at
Christmas, writing pieces are displayed
in the hallway, and the writer’s workshop
model is implemented by teachers. A
writing team and PLC group made up of
HBW teachers are working hard to
develop writing portfolios, kid-friendly
rubrics, and grade-level writing
expectations.
Sumner County Schools offers before and/or after
school child care through various providers. Some
schools furnish services through the YMCA Fun Com-
pany or the Unity Learning Center. Other schools have
established their own school-operated programs that
provide care for the school’s students. No matter the
program’s origins, the purpose is the same. SCS child care programs provide a safe,
engaging place for students to be while parents/guardians are at work. If you have
any questions about the program at your child’s school, please contact the school.
You may also find more information at sumnerschools.org by clicking on the tab,
Parents and Students, at the top of the site page. Then, select Programs from the drop-
down menu. Pictures of some of the fun activities that occur in the programs are
included on the next several pages.
GHS Waves Anatomy Unity programs teaching RSMS Unity students how to do CPR.
WES Eagles’ Nest students make Valentine’s Day crafts.
Spotlighting the Positives in SCS
HES
Owls’
Nest
enjoys
activities.
NSE Tigers’ Den
celebrated Dr. Seuss
and Read Across America.
HBW Backpacks program
and community partnerships SMS Unity students visited with seniors in
reap great benefits. assisted living as a service learning project.
TWH Unity students working with c lay and
pottery equipment.
Hendersonville High FCCLA read with NBE Berry
Patch students to celebrate Read Across America.
.
WES Eagles’ Nest students working on
STEM projects.
CRE Panther Pals were Cat-in-the-Hat prepared!